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Chubby Carrier

07/07/2018

2018 Waterfront Blues Festival: Day 3 Wrap

By SCOTT CUNNINGHAM // The Mavericks threw down an amazing dance party last night that will be talked about for a long time to come. Details and all the best from Day 3 of the 2018 Waterfront Blues Festival.

Day 3 of the 2018 Waterfront Blues Festival is in the books and what a day it was.

The Mavericks closed out the day with an epic set that will be talked about for a long time. More on that in a bit.

Friday saw the Oregonian Front Porch Stage heat up with Zydeco and Cajun sounds filling the air and dance floor for a day-long party. Terry and the Zydeco Bad Boys, Too Loose Cajun and Zydeco Band, and Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band all dialed in terrific sets perfect for laying down some sweet dance moves.

If you want to have some serious fun tonight, check out Carrier at 9:50 over on the Front Porch Stage. The last set of the festival is always a hoot and a great time is guaranteed.

Before launching into the rest of the day, let's take a moment and get serious. Deadly serious.

The author needed some extra medical attention from a paramedic while getting tested for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a major, major public health concern and as many as 1 in 30 people in the country are estimated to be infected. I've had friends with the disease and thankfully they have been successfully treated and are fully recovered. Others are much less fortunate.

As you are wandering around the festival today, take a few minutes and stop by the Caring Ambassadors Health Pavilion to learn more about the disease and get tested.

My biggest surprise of the day was Timothy James playing on the FedEx Crossroads Stage. For only being 16, this kid can play some serious blues. And he lives here in Portland. Much to his credit, he approaches his craft with nuance and tone instead of just launching into shredding riff after riff. Keep an eye out for him, as I suspect there are great things ahead in his future.

Timothy James

Seth Walker also put in a great performance on the FedEx stage. I missed his set earlier in the day, but I can't see how it could have been any better than the old-time dance revival he hosted in the more intimate setting of this small stage area. He come through town about once a year, so be sure to catch him the next time he swings through.

I've heard great rumblings about Nikki Hill and was thrilled to get to see her do two sets, one in the afternoon on the north stage and then the after-hours gig at the Marriott. Based out of New Orleans, she packs a huge stage presence with her up-tempo music and vocals that jump out and grab your ears. I enjoyed the late-night set the best, as the room acoustics were more suited to her voice, adding a warmth that wasn't present during her set on the south stage.

Nikki Hill

It's about damn time The Mavericks scored a major outdoor gig in the area. They are one of the most entertaining and mesmerizing bands today and are absolutely at the top of their game at the moment.

Fronted by Raul Malo, the band seamlessly mixes Cuban, alt-country, rock, and blues with a heaping dose of their chemistry to produce a sound unlike any other.

Last night's performance was incredible in so many ways, but you don't need to take my word for it: The entire crowd between the north and south stages was on their feet for what was an amazing dance party. Twist and Shout, anyone?

I got a chance to speak with the band after their set and they were totally stoked by how well-received they were. And it was genuine, these guys are as real as it gets. Here's an idea: How about booking them at Edgefield next summer?

Raul Malo

As over the top as their set was, the most beautiful moment was Malo's stunning acoustic version of Harvest Moon. As we head into the last day of the festival, I can't possibly see how any other performance can come close to that moment.

And, yes, today sees the fest come to a close. Some artists to catch today include Ruthie Foster, Pine Leaf Boys, Chubby Carrier, The Motet, Polyrhythmics, and George Thorogood closing out the main south stage tonight. And if you are in the mood to get funky, head over to the Marriott for the after-hours gig with The Motet and Polyrhythmics.

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